MYSTERY surrounds the withdrawal of plans which included a new cinema at the former Odeon.

South Yorkshire-based nightclub operator The Brook Group only submitted the mixed development scheme to the city council last Tuesday but on Friday the application was withdrawn.

In a note to the council, Tony Barton of Donald Insall Associates Ltd, on behalf of Brook, said his clients had decided to withdraw the plans after they were leaked to the press.

Brook were this week unavailable for comment but council insiders believe this is only a temporary hitch.

Meanwhile, city MP Christine Russell called on the city council to talk with Brook and ING, the backers behind the Northgate Development regeneration scheme, to see if it is possible to turn the building into a multi-purpose arts centre instead.